(This blog is a repost from our "old" site, as the information is needed and we hope it remains helpful to you).

Life happens. Perhaps you have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. Maybe you’ve lost a job. Are you dealing with a divorce, a terminal illness or hospitalization? Do you simply need someone to listen?

Life happens. And with it come stresses and challenges. Often people suffer silently, not requesting or receiving the level of care they themselves need. In the midst of a challenging season, it can be extremely helpful to have someone come alongside us to provide stability, understanding, encouragement and hope.

At Ascension, your clergy are dedicated to walking with you on your life’s journey. But with a limited number of clergy for a congregation of our size, you can quickly see why it’s impossible for us to meet every single need of every single person. This is why we are excited to offer Stephen Ministry here at Ascension. It’s Christ helping people through people in an amazing, intentional ministry of care.

Stephen Ministers are not counselors. They are not “know-it-alls.” They are not individuals who try to fix everyone’s troubles. They simply provide love, care and support when we need it most. A Stephen Minister is an individual who can help us navigate our present situation in the strictest confidence, and with the deepest compassion.

Perhaps you, a friend, or a family member would benefit from this kind of help and support. Starting in January 2018, we will be offering a comprehensive, 50-hour training course here at Ascension for those who wish to become Stephen Ministers. And we will be assessing folks in our church family who might benefit from being a care receiver. Because life happens.

Are you called to this caring ministry of presence? Are you already a Stephen Minister who wishes to get back in the game? Want to find out more?

Mark your calendars for an informational workshop, Saturday, October 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Richardson. The workshop will be facilitated by our own Laura Warner Gilmer, a national trainer with Stephen Ministries. Come and discover how you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Please call Mother Marci, Stephen Ministry Leader/Coordinator, at the church (214-340-4196) for more information.